The February sunshine plastered the skies, illuminating the stage for the skilful showcase between BDHC Ladies 1s and St Neots 2s.

The Dragons tensed as St Neots began with the ball but could not break through the home team and possession shifted. Midfielders Jess Teesdale, Carol Murray, Vicky Mumby and Libby Moore guided the ball around St Neots and made the first offensive push to put the opposition on the back foot. Eagerly awaiting forwards Alessia Russo, Jenny Williams, Liz Nunn and Elizabeth Griffiths Calvert were primed and ready to add to the hard work.

Nevertheless, St Neots managed to stave off the plethora of attacks made by the Dragons and made their own attempts down the other end of the pitch bringing the defensive lineup of Alice Brookes, Caroline Geddes, Isia Jasińska and goalie Eliana Russo into the action. Yet, the steadfast and fortified Dragons rebuffed the attack and offloaded the ball back down the other end of the pitch.

As the game continued, the Dragons maintained their stronghold and the majority of possession with St Neots, at times, stealing their own opportunities. The stalemate was soon broken as a shock ball through St Neots’ D fell to Elizabeth Griffiths Calvert on the back post who tipped the ball over the line. As half time was called, the Dragons had pushed ahead; 1-0.

Straight out at half time, the Dragons were making sure not to fall prey to their winning lead and applied further pressure on their rivals. Jess Teesdale stormed up the pitch to the D uncontested, smashing a ball straight through St Neots, a second ball hit the backboard. The Dragons had furthered their lead; 2-0.

St Neots had stepped up, craving a goal of their own and fighting fervently for more and more offensive opportunities. Alas, the stone wall of Eliana Russo stopped St Neots in their tracks and swatted the ball away from any danger, flipping a defensive play to an offensive attack down the other end of the pitch.

The Dragons seemed unstoppable as Jenny Williams seized control of the ball. As the ball sailed over St Neots’ goalie, no one could stop the ball crossing the line. The Dragons had solidified their lead; 3-0.

Determined to change the tides, St Neots intensified their game play and were making bolder moves against the home team.

St Neots pounded to the Dragons’ defence and shouldered their way through to the goal. With a battle at the goal line, assisted by some fanciful footwork, St Neots pushed the ball over the line.

With a goal of their own, St Neots were clawing themselves back into the game. The Dragons were applying more pressure on their opponents, winning themselves some short corners but St Neots soon rebuffed any attempt on goal.

Emboldened by their recent goal, St Neots broke free from the Dragons offensive onslaughts and tried their luck at goal, this time finding the backboard. As the full time whistle blew, the Dragons had retained their lead and taken the game 3 goals to 2. Man of the match was awarded to Jess Teesdale for her relentless defensive work and her glorious goal.